APPENDIX 2
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AN EXPLANATION OF FastPrep -24 INSTRUMENT
SPEED SETTINGS
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The cell disruption process during a FastPrep -24 Instrument run is caused by
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the collision of matrix and sample within the FastPrep -24 Instrument sample
tube.
The rate of collision and energy of impact. (both of which determine the
®
effectiveness of the disruption process) are a function of the FastPrep -24
Instrument speed settings and specific gravity of the bead material used.
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The FastPrep -24 Instrument speed setting in meters per second refer to the
maximum vertical velocity achieved by a sample tube during reciprocating
motion.
The rate of collision is proportional to speed, while the energy of impact is
proportional to the square of the speed. For example, a 50% increase in the
®
FastPrep -24 Instrument speed setting increased the rate of collision by 50% and
at the same time increases the energy of impact by 125%.
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The FastPrep -24 Instrument has been specifically designed to allow operation
with in an ideal range of parameters for disrupting membranes from a wide
variety of cell types. When used with cell-specific protocols and kits (MP
Biomedicals), cell membrane disruption and nucleic acid yield is maximized.
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